St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright has confirmed he will take charge of the club’s Europa League match following the death of his mother.
Wright flew home to Northern Ireland on Friday to be at mum May’s bedside before she passed away at the weekend.
The funeral will take place on Wednesday and the grieving Saints gaffer will then travel to McDiarmid Park on the morning of the game in order to take charge of the club’s third qualifying round first leg against Slovakian side Spartak Trnava.
His assistant Callum Davidson will oversee training and prepare the players in the meantime.
Wright said: “I got a call to say my mum’s condition was deteriorating and unfortunately she died at the weekend. The funeral is on Wednesday but the club is being very supportive and I will be back for the game.
“The circumstances are different from when I was in hospital last season but Callum did a good job then and it will be the same again.
“I will be speaking to Callum and he knows what we had planned for the build-up to the game. He knows exactly what is required in terms of preparation for what is another big match for the club.”
Offering his condolences, Saints chairman Steve Brown said: “Obviously my thoughts and those of everyone at the club are with Tommy and his family.
“It’s important that Tommy is home at this time and I know he will be back in time for Thursday’s tie.
“In the meantime, Callum Davidson and Alec Cleland are more than capable of ensuring that the squad are properly prepared for the game in Tommy’s absence.”